More ALA Children's Literary Award Winners

The complete list of the American Library Association Literary Award Winners is available at the ALA website. Watch for these award-winning books in Perrot's Youth Services New Book Bin!

More award highlights (click on each book cover to request that item):

Coretta Scott King Award Winners
(recognizes an African-American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children):

Author Award Winner:
Elijah of Buxton, by Christopher Paul Curtis

In 1859, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, which is a haven for slaves fleeing the American south, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.

Illustrator Award Winner:
Let It Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals, illustrated by Ashley Bryan

With a kaleidoscope of color and cut paper, a Bryan celebrates three favorite spirituals: "This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In," and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."


Pura Belpré Medal Winners
(honors a Latino author and illustrator whose work best affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience):


Author Award Winner:
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, by Margarita Engle

Juan Francisco Manzano was born in 1797 into the household of wealthy slaveowners in Cuba. He spent his early years at the side of his owner's wife, entertaining her friends. His poetry was his outlet, reflecting the beauty and cruelty of his world.



Illustrator Award Winner:
Los Gatos Black on Halloween, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Follow los monstruos and los esqueletos to the Halloween party under October's luna, full and bright-- the monsters are throwing a ball in the Haunted Hall. Las brujas come on their broomsticks. Los muertos rise from their coffins to join in the fun. Los esqueletos rattle their bones as they dance through the door. And the scariest creatures of all aren' t even there yet!


Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Winner
(for the most distinguished beginning reader book):

There Is a Bird on Your Head!, by Mo Willems

Gerald the elephant discovers that there is something worse than a bird on your head-- two birds on your head!